Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Quantum Numbers
Quantum numbers are a set of four numbers that describe the unique quantum state of an electron in an atom. They include the principal quantum number (n), azimuthal quantum number (l), magnetic quantum number (m_l), and spin quantum number (m_s). Each electron in an atom is characterized by these quantum numbers, which determine its energy level, shape, orientation, and spin.
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Electron Configuration
Electron configuration refers to the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals. For strontium (Sr), which has an atomic number of 38, the electron configuration is [Kr] 5s². This indicates that the outermost two electrons occupy the 5s orbital, which is crucial for determining their quantum numbers.
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Pauli Exclusion Principle
The Pauli Exclusion Principle states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers. This principle is essential for assigning quantum numbers to electrons, ensuring that each electron in the outermost shell of strontium has a unique combination of quantum numbers, particularly in terms of their spin.
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